NAPERVILLE, Ill. - The Naperville Police Department is now accepting applications for a nine-week Citizen Police Academy to be held this fall. The academy will begin on October 5, 2016 and continue every Wednesday night (excluding November 23) until December 7. Applications are due by September 9, 2016.

Instruction consists of classroom lectures, interactive discussions and hands-on demonstrations focusing on various aspects of police work, including forensics, investigations, patrol and special response, among others. Course content and activities dictate that class size is limited to 25 participants. All classes are free and will be held at the Naperville Police Department from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

"This academy is designed to help our residents understand what we do, how we work and why we make the decisions we do while protecting the community," said Deputy Chief Brian Cunningham. "In addition to being educational, it's also interactive and lots of fun. Historically, we've ended up with a waiting list of residents wanting to attend after hearing about it from past participants."

Naperville's Citizen Police Academy gives citizens insight into the inner workings of police operations, practices and objectives. Participants in the academy will learn how they can help keep the community crime-free and become resources for improved community/police relations. Academy graduates are encouraged to take their knowledge back to their neighborhoods where they can use it to enhance the safety and quality of life in Naperville.

Individuals who apply for the Citizen Police Academy must be 18 years of age and reside and/or work in the City of Naperville. All applicants will be subjected to a criminal background investigation.

Interested candidates should print and complete the Citizen Police Academy application and waiver found at www.naperville.il.us/cpa and return the signed documents no later than Friday, September 9, 2016 to Deputy Chief Brian Cunningham by email at cunninghamb@naperville.il.us, at fax number (630) 305-7004, or through the mail or in person at the Naperville Police Department, 1350 Aurora Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540.

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